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SPECIAL PUBLIC EVENT

Join other space enthusiasts as we watch the Curiosity Rover land on the surface of Mars.

Carter Observatory in Wellington is co-hosting this special event with us, providing a fantastic setting for this spectacular event, right in the heart of Wellington.

Join our Curiosity TweetUp!

We're wanting to get 50 Tweeters to join us at Carter as part of the global online event. Help us spread the word, let people know this historic event is happening – and join in the cheer resounding around the internet as we get word of a successful landing!

We'll provide WiFi coverage and ensure you get a front-of-house seat at the event, and we have a few other treats lined up for you too.

Everyone Welcome

Don't use Twitter? Don't worry – Facebook/Google+ and other social media users are welcome.

And if you just want to come and watch, that's fine too.

Can't join us in person?

Follow us online. We'll be live-streaming the event, so you can watch online and join in the conversation. Check back to this page on the day.

Watch the Teaser Video:

Curiosity?

Curiosity is the informal name of the 'Mars Science Laboratory' – which is due to land on Mars on 6 August (NZ-time). Curiosity is about twice as long and five times heavier than the Spirit of Opportunity exploration rovers and carries over ten times the mass of scientific instruments

The Mars Curiosity rover was launched by NASA on November 26, 2011 and is scheduled to land in Gale Crater at about 05:31pm NZ time on August 6, 2012.

The rover's objectives include searching for past or present life, studying the Martian climate, studying Martian geology, and collecting data for a future manned mission to Mars.

Meet the KiwiMars Crew

Most of the crew of the recent KiwiMars 2012 expedition will be on hand to talk to, and answer any questions you may have. In between NASA broadcasts, they'll also give a quick presentation on some of the highlights of their mission..

Explore Carter's Exhibits

Carter Observatory is open all day (from 10am), so if you want to make an afternoon of it – come earlier and enjoy a planetarium show and explore their exhibits. Last show is at 3pm that afternoon.